Monday...

Ethan & Kamden started swimming lessons...there was a lot of whining, crying, and flailing around in the water. Hopefully today's lesson goes a bit better...

We rode our bikes, jumped on the trampoline, built with Legos, and watched Owen devour an ice cream cone...

Sunday...

Sunday morning Jeff & I were able to attend our old ward and it was so good to see everyone, even though it's only been several weeks.

The boys were still asleep when we left so they stayed with Grandpa & Grandma.

Jeff headed back to Orofino that afternoon and the boys & I went on a bikeride/walk with Grandma & Grandpa. When we got back we made two batches of rootbeer, something I remember doing every year. My dad's parents used to make it and have collected lots of glass bottles, even some empty beer bottles.

Here are a few from the ensamble:

Filling up the bottles:

Putting caps on the bottles with the bottle capper made by my grandpa:

The rootbeer has to sit for a few days, so the boys are full of anticipation and impatience waiting for it.

That evening Jeff called to let us know that his Grandpa had passed away. It was expected as his health was failing and he'd battled cancer for several years.

He was a great man and I know he was a great example to Jeff his entire life. I'm thankful to have known him for 8 years and grateful that our boys were able to have him in their lives, even for a short time.

He will be missed but he leaves behind a legacy that won't be forgotten.

I remember shortly after Kamden was born we were visiting and Grandpa bore his testimony that Sunday. He said that when he and Grandma got married, they had no idea what they were starting, but they'd sure started something good.

Grandpa Earl with Kamden Earl

July 2010

Saturday...

Saturday morning Jeff golfed in a tournament with his friend Steve Scott.

Mom & I set to work making salads, a birthday cake, and a pan of brownies for the menfolk who had planned a bbq for my youngest brother's 24th birthday.

After lunch Mom, Owen, & I headed over to Boise to pick up Charly and meet my sisters & niece for some SHOPPING!

This is what the kiddos ended up doing back at the house while we were gone:

Ethan, Guin, Kamden

They also fished for tadpoles in the ditch, played with the dogs, and ran wild and rampant through the backyard.

When we got home we celebrated Jeffrey's birthday with German Chocolate cake and Owen helped him blow out the candles.

I can't believe my little sister brother is 24!

Happy Birthday Jeffrey Effrey!

Home Again...

We are back.

Jeff had training in Boise Wednesday & Thursday so we left Orofino Tuesday afternoon with the Yukon stuffed full with one Dad, one Mom, three boys, and one dog. Oh, and all the stuff we would be needing like clothing, snacks, toys, etc.

It was cramped.

But we made it!

We stayed in a hotel Tuesday-Friday since Jeff was in training and it was paid for. Of course the boys were in heaven since there was a pool. Thanks to Brian & Sierra for dog-sitting Pudge while we stayed at the hotel!

Jeff is headed back to Orofino Sunday evening but the boys and I will be staying for a little summer vacation.

He will come back Friday evening so that we can be with our dear friends as they are sealed together as a family for eternity.

The promises of the gospel are amazing and we are so excited for them!

We've had some busy and eventful days so far since "coming home". I know that my mailing address is no longer in Emmett, but my hometown will always hold a special place in my heart. There's just something about driving down into the valley and seeing this tiny town nestled among the hills, knowing it is full of special people and wonderful memories.

The boys are thrilled to be at Grandpa & Grandma's where there is always something exciting going on.

There are chickens...

...and more chickens...

Oh, and a cow...

And they have been busy jumping on the trampoline, playing in the mud, racing sticks in the ditch, and whatever else their hearts desire.

It's good to be home.

Friday...

While Ethan was in Kindergarten the kids were given the opportunity to do 600 minutes of reading and earn a free pass to Roaring Springs. I had to get after Ethan a few times to finish, but he did his 600 minutes and got his free pass...on Friday we all went and he was glad he'd completed his minutes. Owen was also free and Jeff, Kamden, and I each donated a can of food and got $5 off our tickets. We got there when they opened at 11 and left about an hour before closing time. My sister-in-law Charly met us there after she got done with work and it was a really fun day, even though every one of us got sunburned! The boys are still talking about all of the fun slides (and a few scary ones, too) and how much fun they had.

Ethan & Aunt Charly getting flushed down the toilet...

Warming up on the sidewalk...

Floatin' the Endless River...